Daikin HVAC. Preventing Waste.

Consumers can cut their utility bills considerably by preventing waste. When it comes to the quality of home duct systems, all opportunities for improvement are substantial, and the rewards in both comfort and reduced energy bills — can be wonderfull.

Heating and cooling systems have markedly improved in efficiency over the past years, in part because of increasingly strict building and appliance standards. New products were developed that use less energy. Forced-air heaters offer a perfect example: 18 years ago, natural gas models were 60 percent to 70 percent efficient. Because of energy requirements in the standards, today's designs are as much as 99 percent efficient, producing more heat for much less money.

Energy Efficiency Building Regulations now require ductwork to be insulated, just like walls and floors. Minimum requirements call for R-4.2 insulation around ducts located in attics and crawl spaces, but the Energy Commission suggests that insulating to a factor of R-8 or higher to significantly increase comfort and energy savings.

Since the  Energy Commission introduced the first Energy Efficiency Building Regulations back, home construction techniques have also evolved. Today's homes and buildings are better insulated, with improved weatherstripping to keep heat inside during the winter. Windows have become increasingly more sophisticated, with high-tech coatings and gases between multiple panes of glass that improve their insulating value. As a result, energy savings can be startling.